In a strategic move to promote peaceful coexistence and resolve ongoing land disputes, the elders and stakeholders of Ifite Nteje community organized a peaceful protest. The protest called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to implement the Anambra State Government whitepaper concerning Ifite Nteje land.
The demonstration, which took place at Amaokpo Orukabi Ifite Nteje and moved through Ove Nengo, Diigwe Airport Road, Ezudo, and Ekeigwe Nteje, saw elders, women, and youths chanting songs and carrying placards with messages such as “No more land grabbers in the name of land management committee,” “EFCC should implement Anambra State Government whitepaper on Ifite Nteje lands,” “Save our souls, Governor Soludo,” and “Implement Government white paper on Ifite Nteje lands to foster lasting peace in Ifite Nteje.”
During the event, Mr. Paul Egwuatu, an elder and Chairman of Ojiani Ifite Nteje, stated that the protest aimed to inform the public that Ifite Nteje community does not sell its lands. He called on the EFCC to implement the state government’s white paper on Ifite Nteje lands to allow women to cultivate their land and bring a lasting solution to the community’s crises.
Another elder, Mr. Christopher Alee, expressed concern over individuals forming a so-called land management committee, selling community lands without legal permission. This unauthorized action has led to crises for over five years. He urged these individuals to cease their activities and respect the community’s ownership of the land.
Mr. Nebechi Ugwo, a community stakeholder, alleged that the self-appointed land management committee hired a surveyor to facilitate illegal land transactions. He pointed out that on June 5, 2024, the community declared the abolishment of any land management committee and Power of Attorney. He called on the state government to intervene and urged the EFCC to investigate land fraud in Ifite Nteje and implement the white paper’s recommendations.
Former youth chairman Mr. Emeka Nwabude highlighted that over 100 hectares of land were sold by fraudsters and land traffickers, leading to violence and crises in the community. He explained that a panel of inquiry was established following their appeal to the previous Anambra State Governor in 2019/2020. This panel’s findings resulted in the white paper mandating the EFCC to investigate and act on its contents. Nwabude appealed to the state government for intervention, citing threats to their lives due to the ongoing land disputes.
